Transmission



R. LAPSLEY Nov. 10, 1931.

TRANSMISSION Filed June 27, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. l0, 1931. R. LAPSLEY I 1,830,797

' TRANSMISSION Filed June 27, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 R. LAPSLEY TRANSMISSION Filed June 27. 1930 Nov. 10, l93l.

5 Sheets-Sheet 3 law f ,wf w w, U i w a e e E W lief/@wr oef/'f l@ @Ze Nov. 10, l1931. R. LAPSLEY 1,830,797-

TRANSMISSION Filed June 27, 1930 5 `Sheets-Sheet 4 Q l w Nov. 10, 1931. f R. LAPsLr-:Y-

TRANSMI SS I ON 5 .m m www w\\ t e e h s 5 Sm NNN'. MNM. 0 70 w, mi ma. NNN. www e n u J d e 1 .1 F

Patented Nov. 1o, 193i UNITED sTATi-:s

PATENT OFFICE ROBERT `LAPSLEY, `or BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI'C'HIGAmAssrGNoB. To CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY, for BUCHANAN, MIoHrG-AN, A CORPORATION F 4MICHIGAN TRANSMrssr'oiv `Application filed Jane 27,

This invention relates to the transmissions for automobiles and the like, and is more particularly concerned withl a gear shifting structure for a transmission of the character disclosed in my co-pending vapplication for Transmission, Serial No. 333,686, filed J anu- Y ary 19, 1929, vof which this application is a continuation-inpart. It is to be understood however that the particular arrangement of gear shifter` rods and lever is not to be confined to my specific form of transmission', but

feo

may be employed for general purposes.

ln the above noted application I have disclosed a transmission in which the casing is simplified and reduced in costof manufacture wherein nothing but simple concentric bores are required in the casing, these bores being of progressively varying diameters, so that `they may all be finished at a single operation if desired.- By the provision of such a casingeccentric bores which hereto- -fore involved,particularly diiiicult machin- Y has an outside cylindrical facey toenter the corresponding seatin. the casing and has two internal eccentric bores forming bearings or bearing seats. This construction permits of the securement of another important advantage heretofore unattainable, that is, to sup-` port the internal gear sleeve externally VatV both ends in solid bearings with the center line of the gear teeth of sleeve, both internal and external, lyingbetween the supporting bearings thus eliminating voverhang of the gears. TheV bearing bracket is Vpreferably made of steel suitable to kreceive the roller bearings which support the internal external gear sleeve being of a suitable character to be hardened and ground to form the outer bearing recess. Y

The strength thus provided is highlyfde'- 1930. serial No. 464,185.

sirable for permitting the supporting ring or race for the rearmost `eccentric bearing to be supported through a crescent-shaped open-V ing between the gear sleeve and the large internal gear. y

A further feature ofv importance of this invention is the provision of a system of oiling the internal external gear assembly and the bushing for the loose pinion for the first internal gear. The low speed pinionand the low speed gear on the lay shaft carry oilinto a. housing which tends to trap the oil and feed it into the internal external-gear assembly and the bearings and gears'thereof. vOil is also constantly fed to the bushing or bearing of the loose gear pinion on the intermediate shaft whichis subject to motion much of the time. f Y

'Another feature ofimportance in this inventionis in the provision of an improved mounting and manner 'of positioning the loose pinion for the first internal gear of the internal external gear assembly. l The mounting supports this pinion adjacent andat the same time free or independent ofthe shift,- able intermediate shaft section. L, Y

v A very desirable feature of my invention is the provision'of an easy and compact vas- `sembly wherein direct drive is 'carried straight through lon roller bearings.

Transmissions of the so-called four-speed soy internal gear type are now employed and theyl generally provide'tvvo stages of spur gears for acceleration, anda stagev of internal gear l and a direct drive for continuousrunning.

the transmission stages or ratios are arranged on a `different theory. The lowest stage or ratio; of spur gears is not intended to be em# ployed for acceleration ink normalv driving, but an-emergency loW gear for heavy duty pulling. The second gear stage is a spur gear `drive and is-.em'ployed forstarting and acel-` eration, this drive corresponding tothe usual first gear of known standard spur lgear transmissions. VThe third stage is an internal gear drive whichis'usedfboth for an `accelerating gear to the'direct drive, or it-may be used. as

ss l While in the preferred formof my invention n a continuous drive at a ratio permitting of rapid acceleration in traffic.

In conjunction with this mode of arranging the gears, l have provided a novel control. The gear shift is the standard for low, reverse,`intermediate (internal) and high (direct) This novel control feature for the operation of the emergency low speed forms the subject matter of the instant application.

Heretofore, it has been customary in pro'- viding for the operation of an emergency low speed in a transmission or any other special connection such as reverse speed which is normally out of selective position, to provide a manually operable detentmeans controlled by the thumb or fingers vof an operator for purposes of enabling the shifter lever to be 'moved to engage a shift rod operatively associa-ted with the shifting element which is out of the normal selective positions of the transmission. In accordance with the instant invention these additional manually operable elements normally requiring additional attention on the part of the operator have been eliminated thus simplifying the'operation of the transmission when shifting to the special connection when desired. Y

ldith the above in view it is an object of this invention to provide a transmission with a novel means for permitting the shifting of the elements of the transmission for special connections therein requiringonly a simple ishifting of the gear shift lever. To this end,

the shift rod controlling the special connection, in the instant case emergency low, has Vbeen provided with a. body portion having a 'pocket normally in alignment with a pocket in the shiftro'd controlling first and reverse Vspeeds when the shifter lever is in neutral position. Y

rlhe' body is provided with a'normally Aspring pressed plunger positioned in a circular bore in the body portion and having a i portion in diametrically opposed relation to the conical ended plunger pin extends into a longitudinal peripheral groove in the plunger to prevent turning of the plunger thereby keeping vthe conical recess in line with the .conical ended plunger pin. lThus thegear shift lever must be pressed against the end Vof the spring plunger with a force not only great enough to overcome the spring presj sure of its 'spring but also to force the conical ended pin downwardly out of the conical recess. This is best accomplished by a sharp movement of the lower end of the shift lever against the free end of the plunger whereupon the lower end of the shift lever may be received in the pocket provided in the body portion thereby permitting operation of the shift rod controlling the emergency low speed or other special connections.

Another object is the provision of a novel means whereby theshiftlever will be automatically ejected from connection with the shift rod controlling the emergency low speed or other special connection when the shift lever is moved to neutral position. lli/*lien the plunger above described has been forcibly retracted by the engagement of the free'end thereof by the lower end of the shift lever and the lower end of the lever has been received bythe pocket formed in the body portion and the shift rod has been moved to complete the desired emergency low or other special connection,the lever -is retained in the pocket by the engagement of the side Vthereof opposite to the'side engaged by the plunger against the side of the shift rod controlling the normal first and reverse spur gear connections. In this condition, lateral spring pressure is'alwa-ys applied tothe shift lever as long as the emergency low orfother special connection is employed. When the shift lever ismoved lo return the emergency low or other special connection to neutral position, thus bringing about an alignment of the pocket in the body portion and the pocket in the shift rod controlling the normal first and 'reverse spur connections, the lever will be automatically ejected from the pocket in' the body portion into the pocket in the shift rod controlling the normal first and reverse spur connections.

Thus, by the provision of this novel feature in the control elements, there is a positive 'expulsion of the lower end Vof the shift lever from the emergency or other special connection controlling shift rod involving merely a movement of the shift lever to neutral position whereupon the normal operating speeds of the transmission may be then employed without involving anyA other manipulation by the operator than the movement of the shift lever to neutral position.

A further object is the provision of a novel arrangement of a plurality of plungers associated with the shift rods of a transmission in such a mannerfas to positively lock suoli rods as are in neutral position so that no accidental shifting of such rods will take place while theselected rod is being moved to operative and inoperative condition. At the same time, the arrangement is such that the locking means employed acts as a double acting shift rod interlock for the rod which has been shifted to a selected position. As in the case of the embodiment of the invention Vheretofore briefly described, it is desirable to employ such an arrangement of parts as will require a minimum 4amount .of eort onthe part, of an operator. To this end, thepresent arrangement is such that, as in the previous case, the lock means may be simply, 'quickly and readily operated by a mere quick movement of the shift lever in the direction of movement thereof to cause the desired gear shift change. Briefly, the contemplated structure comprises a pair of oppositely disposed springv projected plungers, normally urged toward `each other. The lower end of the shift lever is, in the neutral rposition of all the shift rods, disposed berod collar may frictionally engage. suitable shallow notches in such collar to yieldingly retain such rod froinmovement thus operating as a shift rod interlock. -`When the shift lever is again brought to neutral position, the plunger Vautomatically ejects the lever to its normal, neutral position, thereby auto-A matically lockingits respective shift rod. Thus, the structure embodies not onlya locking feature for the shiftv rods but also provides a shift rod interlock.

, Other and furtherobjects will appear from the *following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of my invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinall vertical section through a transmission 'embodying my invention; p n

Figure 2 is a transverse section taken-along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a transverse cross-section taken along the line 33 'of Figure l.; Y

Figure l is a fragmentary section taken along the line 4% of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan View, part-"'- ly in section, of the shifter rods;

Figure Gis avertical section through the upper portion of a transmission casing illustrating a modified forni of my invention;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of the lower end of the' shift lever employed in conjunction with the modified form of my invention illustrated in Figure 6;'

Figure 8 is a section similar to that of Figure 7 showing a further embodiment f Yface being a plane.

shaft 1. p :ing in theV annular recess 1'9,kv and isprov'videdVV my'invention applied to provide a shift rod lock and interlock; and Figuref9 is an enlarged sectional viewv taken substantially along the vline 9-9 of Figure 8. 'k

Although this application is concerned only with the gear shifting` structure, 'for the sake of clarity certain other parts of the particular transmission shown, will be described. f The shaft l is adapted to be driven by the engine through the interposition ofa suitable clutch or the like. extends out of the rear end of the main housing 3, is adapted to be connected tothe propellershaft of the automobilel or other vehicle, or the like. Five possible driving connections can be made through the transmission, namely, an emergency low drive,V which provides a maximuml gear reduction in the transmission, and which is to be used only in pulling out of a hole or pulling a` heavy load. The next drive is through what is known as first speed, which is a spurgear reduction less in amount. N eXt is an internal gear reduction through a double internal-r drive corresponding to second speed. This is of'less reduction than the previous reduction and is suitable forA continuous drive', if desired.

`There is a direct drivejor high speed drive in which the shafts 1 and 2 are con.-

nected together at a 1 to 1'V ratio by direct connection. This corresponds vtoV normal high or direct drive. In additiomthereis a reverse drive including a gear reductionl n preferably lying between the emergency low and the first gear.` 1 Y The main kcasing 3 is openat the bottom where a suitable pan 4l of sheet metal is provided. This pan has a flange 5 about the edge thereof to adapt it to -be bolted to the bottom of the transmission housing 3, this The shaft 2, which transmission housing having a suitable flat space and including flanges, such as f3-6 along the sides (seeFigure l2). The opening in the bottom permits the lay shaft sleeve and gears to be introducedfroni the bottom.

The casing 3 has an opening at the top which is faced off to receive the cover plate 7 ,1 containing the three shifter rods 8, 9 and 10, said shifterrods being suitably guidedA in bearings at the front and rear of the cover plate 7. as indicated at'12 and 13 in Figure 1. The joint at 14 between the cover plate 7 and the main housing 3 is made preferably by bolting the parts together, i

The main housing 3 is faced oiflat at the frontend, as indicated at the surfaceii, to provide a joint between it andthe fiangel of the front cap 17. This cap 17 has a tubullar sleeve'lSeXtending forwardly about the It may contain a felt or like packthe joining surwith oil trapping grooves at the inner end. The cap 17 has an inwardly'extending cylindrical flange 22, and this flange is machined on its outer peripheral surface to lit within the bore 23 in the front wall of the casing 3.

An internal cylindrical seat 24 is adapted to receive the outer race 25 for the ball bearings 26, the inner race of the bearings embracing the enlargement 28 of the shaft l. The cap 17 has an inwardly extending wall 29 forming a housing` 3() about the bearings 26 and the low speed pinion 31, which is formed as an integral part of the inner end of the driving shaft l. The inner end of the driving. shaft l is bored out and splined, as indicated at 32, the bore 33 communicating by way of one or more drilled passageways 34 with the annular recess 35 in the cap 17, which recess communicates i with the ball bearings 26 and communicates through a cored passageway 36 with the lower part of the casing 3. to permit lubricant, such as heavy oil, which is employed within the case, to drain back towards the bottom of the case.

rEhe lower part of the main casini; 3 has horizontal bores at 37 and 38 to receive the rod or shaft 39 which supports thelay shaft sleeve40. The lay shaft sleeve 40 has a bronze bushing 42 at its front end embracing the rod 39 and forming a .bearing thereupon. In like manner the rear end of the lay shaft Sleeve 40 has a bronze bushing 43 providing a bearing on the rod 39 at the rear end of the sleeve.

The sleeve 40 is guided endwise by the bosses 44 and 45, passageways, however, beine; prov'ded at 46 and 47 to permit the entry ofoil to said bushings 42 and 43 to keep the same thoroughly lubricated.

The lay shaft sleeve 40 bears at its front end the integral low speed gear 48 which meshes with the low speed pinion 3l. The upper end of the lowspeed gear 48 projects up through the bottom of the housing 30 provided by the fiance 29 as shown in Figure 2. the being continuous over the upner part of the low speed pinion 3l and extending in close proximity. as indicated at 49 in Fi gure 2, to the tips of the teeth on the low speed gear 48. The other end of the flange 29 cX- tends to a point slightly further from the line of the teeth on the low speed gear 48 to provide an inlet passageway for oil to be carried up bythe low speed gear and trapped in the housing 30. The flange 29 has an ertension (not shown) approaching the shell of the main case 3. so as to facilitate the can ryine of oil by the gear48` up into the housine 30 about the low speed pinion 3l.

The main casing 3 has an integral bracket 53 which is bored out on a concentric bore 54 with the bore 23 and of slightly smaller diameter than the bore 23. The main casing 3 also includes the bearing bracket 55, which is bored out" on a cylindrical bore ."'v 6"con` centric with the boresA 54 and 23. The rear wall 57 of the main housing 3 is bored out .with a cylindrical concentric bore 58 to receive the outer race 59 of the ball bearings 60, the inner race 62 of ywhich supports the rear end of the driven shaft 2.

A suitable flanged cap or plate holds the outer race 59 against a spring expanding plate ring 63, which is seated in a groove in the bore 58. The bearing bracketv supports the outer race 64 of the bearings 65, the inner race of which 66 embraces the tubular sleeve 67, which tubular sleeve forms an extension of the driven shaft 2 and bears at its inner end the internal external gear member 68. The said inner race 66 is held in place by a snap ring 69, the other side of the race 66 resting against the radially eX- tending portion.

The rear end of the sleeve member 68 is splined as indicated at 7 0 to receive the shiftable 72 which is likewise splined and movable axially on the sleeve member 67. The gear member 72 has a shifter collar 73 engaged by the shifter fork 74 formed on the shifter arm 75, the hub 76 of which is pinned as by the taper screw pin 77 upon the sliding shifter rod 9. The lay shaft sleeve 40 carries at its rear end two pinions 78 and 79. Pinion 7 8 has teeth which are adapted to be engaged by the teeth of the shifting gear 72 for transmitting drive from the lay shaft 40 to the driven shaft 2. The inion 7 9 is in constant mesh with the idler pinion 80, which idler pinion 80 is so disposed as to have its pitch circle tangent to the pitch circle of the shifting gear 72, so that the shifting gear 72 and idler pinion 80 may be meshed for reverse drive of the driven shaft 2.

The lay shaft sleeve 40 is provided with splines 82 upon which is mounted'the pinion 83, said pinion having a shifting collar 84 integral with the hub shifter finger 86, shown in dotted lines in Figure l, is pivotally mounted at 87 on the lower arm of a shifter lever 88. rhis finger 86 lies in the groove in the shifter collar 84 and is adapted to move the teeth of the gear 83 yendwise into or out of mesh with the gear teeth of the external aear 90 on the member 68.

The shifter lever 88fis pivoted at 89 to the side wall of the casing, and the upper arm of said lever 88 is connected by a fork 92, shown in dotted lines in Figur mounted on thevshifter rod 8. rfhe shifter rod 8 lies back of the shifter rod 9 in Figure l. The pin 93 is mounted upon ahub member 94 which is connected to the rod by the taper screw pin 95.

A Vdriving pinion 96, lyingaaially in line with the low speed pinion 31, is journaled upon the enlarged cylindrical part 97 of intermediate shaft 98. Y This intermediate shaft 98 has splines 99 at its front end meshing l, with a pin 93 at all times with the splines 32 onthe inside Vperiphery. of the hollow part of the driving shaft'l. The pinion 96 is mounted upon `the bushinglOO, preferably of bronze; or other antiffriction metahand an oil duct or passageway 102 is drilled through the pinion 96' and through its bushing 100 to permit oil to be forced to the inside of the bushing'lOO.

The pinion 96 has a collar'103 at its forward end, which collar is adapted to engage endwise against the end of the low speed pin-` ion 31. Internally, the collar 103 has splines 104 which are adapted to be lengaged by the splines 99 on the forward end of the intermediate shaft 98. At its rear end the pinion 96 engages the radial face 105 external gear sleeve 106. This internal eX- ternal gear sleeve 106 has an internal gear 107 disposed between its forward edge and the radial face 105. The teeth of the gear 107 mesh with the teeth of the pinion 96 at alltimes, thesleeve member 106 being eccentrically mounted so as to bring the pitch circle of th-egear 107 tangent to the pitch circle atthe top of the pinion 96, as will be apparent from an inspection of Figures 1 and 3.

The sleeve memberV 106 is provided with an external gear 109, the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of the internal gear 110 mounted on the member68. The mesh of these two gears 109 and `110 is at thebottom. The me1nber 68, and hence the gear 110, being integral with lthe driving shaft 2, it can be seen that when the splines 99 of the intermediate shaft 98 are'slid intomesh with' they splines 1011 on the inside of the collar 103 of the pinion 96', a double internaligear reduction is se,- cured as between the driving shaft land the driven shaft 2.

The eccentric support for the member 106 is provided by Ithe supporting bracket member 112. This member 112 comprises a cylindrical 'body of 'metalhaving a peripheral cy-l lindrical face 113 matching the cylindrical bore 5l of the integral bracket member 53 in the case 3. The member 112 has a slight shoulder 114 which located the member '112 accurately endwise in the, integral bracket F3.V The shoulder or flange 11e is of a diameterlarge enough to be passed through the bore 23 in the frent wall of the gear housing The member 112 lits snugly in the bore 54 and isheld in place by the'extending flange 115 on the rearend of the'circular Heng@ 29, which is apart of the cap member 11.

The member 112 is held against rotation by a pair of pins 116 engaging' in recesses 117 in the member 112, said pins being mountedv on the ends of screws 118. The screws 118 are shown as beingl positioned diametrically opposite and are preferably threaded obliquely rearwardly 'through the case 3 wit Athe pins or ends 11.6 directed obliquely rearwardly into `its rear part comprises a of the internal shoulderllll ofl member 112l against the endk of bracket 53 or at leastagainst unintentional outward displacement.

. This bracket member y112 is preferably madefof a high capable of serving as a race for the roller bearings 119 and .120which lie directly between the finished internal surfaces 121 and 122 and the finished cylindricalexternal surfaces 123 and 1241- on the sleevev member 106.

The one-piece bracket member 112, atits forwardipart, comprises a concentric ring, thicker at the top than at the bottom, and at ring of even thick-V ness all the way around. Intermediate-.these parts there is a concentric bore in which the external gear109 of the member 106 lies.

It will be seen that there is a crescent-shaped opening or space between thevexternal gear 109iand the internal gear 110 (see Figuresl1 and 2). The eccentric ring126, which provides the internal bearing'ring surface 122, is supported bythe solid crescentfshaped bracket portion 127 of the member r.112. W'hile the thickness of the'said bracket portion 127 is not great, the crescent shape, theref of and the character of the material, i. e., high grade alloyA steel, provide ample strength for supporting the eccentric bracket ring 126 forming the outer bearing race for-the roller bearings 120.

The intermediate shaft 98has splines 128 along itsv central portion which areI ofl an outer `diameter not greater thanthe large cylindrical portionof 98;: These splines are adaptedto engage cooperating` splines` 129 formed on the inside of the sleeve member 67 upon which the internal external large gear member 68 is formed.

The intermediate shaft 98has a shiftingv groove 130 .lying inside the hollow sleeve member 67. Y i

This groove 130 is engaged by a pin 131 eX- tending through a hole ina shifter collar `133 and through a slot 132 in the sleeve member 67. The pin .131 is slabbed olf at the sides to engage the sidewalls of the slot 132 to keep the same from rolling or turning. AVThe pin is held in position by a wire or rivet 134 lying in asmall groove in the bottom of the groove of the shifter collar. The pin obviously may be threaded into the shifter collar 133. Y A shifter fork, like the fork 741 and arm 75, is mounted on the rod 10, said fork being engageable with the groove inthe collar 133 and, by movement endwise of the rod 10, being capable of shifting the intermediate shaft 98 endwise to clutch togetheron motion to the left as'viewed in Figure 1 the splines 128 and 129 for direct drive, or to clutch together the splines 99 and 104 by motion of the interinedite shaft to the right, as viewed in Figure 1. f

The rear end 0f the intermediate shaft 98 grade alloy steel so as to bev has a reduced bearing portion 136 closely tting in the bushing 137 mounted on the inside of the sleeve member 67.

The sleeve member 67, at its left hand end as viewed in Figure 1, opens into the inside of the internal external gear member 68,- and at its righthand end is provided with one or more drilled holes 138 to permit of the entry and escape of lubricants. The level of lubricant in the casing 3 is normally just below the rear bearing 60. The gear sleeve 106 has one or more openings 139 drilled through the radial web thereof, as shown in Figure 1, for the passage of lubricant from the inside to the outside thereof, particularly for the purpose opassing lubricant to the roller bearings The shifter rods 8, 9 and 10 are adapted to cooperate with the lower end of the shifter lever 140, which is mounted in a suitable univerf al mounting intermediate its length. The lower end of the shifter lever 140 normally lies in the notch 141 in rod 9.

Shifter rod 10 has a clutch collar 142 secured thereupon by the tapered screw pin 143 and providing a lug 144 notched as at 145 to receive the knob 146 formed in the lower end of the shifter lever 140. The forward end of the rod 9, which contains the notch 141, is milled off, or slabbed off, so as to require a minimum of lateral travel of the lower end of the shifter lever 140.

The rod 8 has a collar 147 secured by the tapered screw pin 148 and comprising a lug or body portion extending towards the shifter rod 9 providing the notch 149. The body portion 150 has a circular bore in which lies the spring pressed plunger 151 said plunger being hollowtore-ceive the compression spring 152 to throw the plunger 151 to a definite outward position towaidsthe left, as viewed in Figure 4. T he plunger 151 has a rim or flange 153 which lies in the counterbore 154, the rear end of the counterbore being closed by a screw plug 155. The forward or outward face of the plunger 151 extends just beyond the arm in which the notch 149 is formed, so that the gear shifter lever 140 is not able to engage in the notch 149 without displacing the plunger 151. The plunger 151 has a conical opening 156 into which a conical ended plunger pin 157 is normally forced and rests. l v

This pin 157 is guided in the vertical cylindrical bore 158 drilled into the body portion of the collar 147 and the spring 159 lies below the plunger pin .157. The main spring pressed plunger 151 is provided with a groove extending longitudinally thereof, and a guiding pin formed on the lower end of the screw plug 161 extends into said groove 160 and prevents turning of the main plunger 151, thereby keeping the conical recess 156 in line with the spring plunger pin 157.

Now it will be apparent that the gear shift lever 40 must be pressed against the spring plunger v151 with a force not only great enough to overcome the springpressure of the spring 152, but also to force the conical pin 157 downwardly out of the conical recess 156. This is best done by a sharp movement of the lower end of the lever 140 against the spring plunger 151 to dislodge the pin 157 and to carry the lower end of the lever 140 over into the notch 149, so that the shifter rod 8 may be moved.

In Figure 5 I have shown the arrangement of the rods 8. 9 and 10 and have indicated by the legends the function which the movement of these rods performs.` It is to be understood, however, that this arrangement of gear shifter rods and Vlevers is not to be confined to my specific form oftransmission, but may be employed for general purposes. For example, the shifter rod 8 may be employed for reverse only. and the rods 9 and 10 for first, second, third and fourth in a 4-speed transmission. The shifter rods are provided with suitable interlocks, as indicated at 163 in Figure 1. and notches such as 164, 165 and 166 into which a spring pressed ball 167 or plunger mav rest for holding the rods yieldablv in predetermined position.

It will be observed that for all except emergency low. the various stages conform in position and function to standard; i. e.. the motions of the shifter lever for acceleration and reverse are standard. p

The operation of Jthe device is as follows:

Assuming that the parts are in the condition shown in Figure 1 and it is desired to emplov the normal first speed orv normal low gear drive. The shifter rod 9 is shifted to the left in Figure 1 to mesh the gear 72 with the pinion 78 on the lav shaft sleeve 40. The drive then proceeds from shaft 1, low speed pinion 31, low speed gear 42, sleeve 40, pinion 78 to ,gear 73` sleeve 67 and shaft 2. Rotation of the sleeve 67 drives the internal external gear member 68, and it in turn drives the gear sleeve and the gear sleeve drives the loose pinion 86 idling.

T he second stage is secured by moving the shifter rod 9 back to neutral position, as shown in Figure 1, and shifting the shifter rod 10 to the right as viewed in Figure 6. This carries the collar 133 and the intermediate shaft therewith to the right` causing meshing of the splines 99 with the splines 104 on the loose pinion 96.

The drive then proceeds through shaft 1, splines 32. splines 99, splines 104, to the loose pinion.. The loose pinion through internal gear 107 drives the sleeve member 106. The external gear 109 of the sleeve 106 meshes with the internal gear 110 of the member 68, which is mounted on the sleeve 67, thereby7 driving the sleeve 67 and the shaft 2. To go to high speed or direct drive, the shifter rod 10 is moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 1,

to carry the splines 99'out of mesh withithe splines 104, and thereafter to carry the splines 128 on thecentral part of the intermediate shaft into mesh with the splines 129 on the inside of the sleeve member 67. Dire-ct drive then proceeds from the shaft 1 through the splines 32, splines 99, intermediate shaft l splines 128 to the splines 129 on the sleeve 67,

and from thence driven shaft 2.

Reverse drive in the present case is accomplished from neutral position, as shown in Figure 1` by moving the shifter rod 9 to the right, as viewed in Figure 1, to bring the shiftable gear 72 into mesh with the idler 80. The drive then proceeds from driven shaft 1 through low speed pinion 31, low speed gear 48, lay shaft sleeve 40, lay shaft sleeve pinion 79, idler 80, gear 72, sleeve 6T and thence to the driven shaft 2. o

Forthe emergency low, the shift lever at its lower end is swung sharply tothe right, as viewed in Figure 4 to engage the ball 146 in the notch 149.v Fhereupon,r the gear shift rod 8 is moved to the right, as viewed in Figure 1, this operating through the lever 88 and shifter linger 86 to slide the lav shaft sliding pinion` 83 into mesh with the external gear 90 on the member 68.

This provides a relatively7 large gear reduction as follows, from the driving shaft 1, low speed pinionsli low spe-ed gear 48, lay shaft sleeve 40, pinion 83, externalgear 90 on the member 68, thence through the sleeve 67 and shaft 2. i In the operation of the shift lever to cffect a connection and disconnection of the emergency low or other special connection, it is to be noted that when the plunger 151 has been forcibly retracted by the action of the lower end of the shift lever and shift rod 8 moved in the direction of the arrow indicated in Figure 5, thus causing a vdisalignment of pockets 149 and 141,` the lever 140 will remain inthe pocket149 due to the eneagement ofthe side of the lever opposite the plunger contacted sidewith the adjacent Vshift rod 9. `Upon return of theend rod 8 to a position where thepockets-l-l and 141 are again aligned, tie lower end of the shift lever 140 will be ejected from the pocket 149 into pocket 141 by the normal projection of the plunger 151. Thus upon disengagement of the emergency low or other spr-cial connection vby a return of the shift lover to neutral position, the lever is omatically adi usted for operation of the nor@ mal driving speeds. Y In Figures 6 and. 7 I have illustrated modified form or adaptation of my invention. Referringl more particularly to vFigure `6, l. have shown a fragmentaryv vertical axial `section Athrough the upper portion of 'ai transmission housing 200 inwhic i a suitable shift lever v201 is suitably supported for limited through sleeve 6? to the .ter in transverse alignment.

universal movement in any suitable or desired manner with the .lower end 202 thereof extending downwardly into housing 200 for an appreciable distance. K.

4A plurality vofvtransmission shifter rods 208, 209 and 210 suitably disposed inthe lower'end of casing 200 are Amounted in parallelism for axial movement. Rods 209 and 210 are adapted to control the usual normal operating gear connections of thetransmission while rod 208 is adapted to control an eXtra or emergency low gear` or other special connection. It might be here noted that the section shown in the instant figure is viewed in the opposite direction from the. section illustrated in Figure 4 so that wherethe emergencylow or other special connection control rod 8 is shown in` the latter figure as being to the right'in Figure 6 it is shown disposed to the left. Rods 208and 210 each Vcarry suitable brackets 211-and 212 respectively, secured thereto by 214'respectively. The centrally disposed shifter rod 209 is also provided with a suitable bracket 215 secured thereto by means of a set screw 216s Bracket 215 extends upwardly and is provided centrally thereof with a reduced extension 217 providing a pair of shoulders 218 and 219 extending axially of the rod 209 for a purpose to be hereinafter'described. Extension 217 is provided with a transverse pocket 220.

Brackets 211 and 212 are provided-with lateral upwardly and inwardly directed eX- tensions 221 and222 respectively, the inner edges of which terminatein upwardly extending portions 223 and 224 respectivelydisposed inparallelism'and flanking the centrally disposed extension 217 of bracket 215. l-ach `of these extensions 223 and 224 is. provided with a pocket 225 and 226 respectively. ln the neutral position of the transmission, pook-cts 220, 225 and 226 are adapted to regis- Along the lower edges' of extensions 221 and 222 are provided supporting'ledges 228 and 229 respectively which are adapted to rest upon the correspondingshoulders 218 and 219 of the bracket 215y for sliding movement therealong.

' The eXtreme lower end of shift lever 201 is provided with a llaterally reduced portion 202', the lateral dimension of which is equal to or slightly lessthanthe transverse dimension of the extension 217v of bracket 215. The reduced portion 202 is thus provided with two laterally disposed faces 203 and 204. rlhis portion 202 position of the transmission to be disposed in the pocket 220, and in such position of the transmission may be laterally displaced for selective disposition in either of pockets 225 or 226. Adjacent rthe lower end 202 of lever 201 there is provided a lateral extension 205 disposed is adapted in the neutral in parallel relation to the faces means of set screws 213 and 203 and 204 of the portion 202', extension 205 extending in a direction opposite to the'direction of axial movement of the shift rod 208. The purpose of such extension 205 will be hereinafter more fully described. This extension 205 is provided with a lateral face 206 a continuation of which across the corresponding face of the lower end 202 of the shift lever 201 defines a slight boss 206 on the lever. The free end of extension 205 is beveled on three sides as indicated at 207. The faces 206 and 206 form a continuous planar surface.

The side of casing 200 opposite the exten- 3 sion 205 on lever 201 is provided with a thickened portion 230 in the nature of a boss which is suitably drilled or cored to provide a core opening 231. A plunger casing 232 having an axial bore 233 therein is seated in the core opening 231 and is suitably secured in position by means of a set screw 234 threaded into a transverse threaded bore 235, set screw 234 being provided at its end with a conical tip 236 which takes into a radial opening 237 provided in casing 232. The inner end of casing 282 is provided with a reduced bore 238 forming a peripheral shoulder 239. A slidable plunger 240 is disposed axially in the bore 233 and is provided at oneend with a reduced portion 241 which passes through the reduced bore 238 of the casing 232, the reduced end 241 providing a shoulder 242 which in the maximum projected position of the plunger 240 is adapted to engage the annular 1 shoulder' 239 of the casing 232 thereby limiting the projecting movement of the plunger. The main body portion of the plunger 240 is provided with an axial *borev 243 in which a suitable coil spring 244 is seated, the outer end of the coil 244 being in abutment with the reduced end of a screw plug 245 suitably threaded into the outer end of bore 233 of casing 232.

Casing 232 is provided adjacent. its outer end with a radially outwardly extending boss or projection 246 having a bore 247 provided therein by suitable drilling or boring of a diametrically disposed opening extending from the outer periphery of casing 232 in opposed relation to the projection or boss 246. A double acting catch comprising a ball 248 normally yieldingly projected 'radially toward this axis of casing 232 by means of a spring 249, is seated in the bore 247. Ball 248 is normally adapted to take into a peripheral groove 250 provided adjacent the outer end of plunger 240. A suitable screw plug 251 is threaded into the diametrically opposed portion of the bore 247 to permit of access to the ball 248 and spring 249 for removal or replacement thereof when necessary.

The plunger 240 and its casing 232 are so positioned that with the plunger in maximum projected position, theY inner end of the reduced portion 241 will engage the planar surface 206, 206l to normally prevent lateral displacement of the lower end 202 of lever 201 in the direction of the pocket 225 of the bracket 211 of shift rod 208 which controls the emergency low or other special gear. It will be noted that the engagement of the ball 248 with the peripheral groove 250 at the outer end of the plunger 240 is such as to aid the spring 244 in maintaining the plunger in maximum projected position.

The operation of device disclosed in Figures 6 and 7 is similar to that of the device disclosed in Figures 4 and 5. Brieiiy, with the lower end 202 of the lever 201 in the position illustrated in Figure 6, the transmission is in neutral position. It will be readily apparent that the usual or normal operating speeds of the transmission may be. readily attained by mere axial movement of the rods 209 and 210@ When it is desired to employ the emergency low or other special gear, in view of the retarding tendencies of the ball 248, it is only necessary to move the upper end of the shift lever 201 sharply to the'right (as viewed in Figure 6) thus imparting a sharp movement to the left of the lowerend 202 of the lever 201. With'the projection 202 of the lever 201 moved into the pocket 225 of the-bracket 211 of shift rod 208, the rod 208 may be moved to suitably engage the emergency low or other special gear. With the rod in such shifted position the plunger 240 under the urging of spring 244 exerts a l lateral pressure against the planar face 206, 206 thus forcing the face 204 of the projection 202 into engagement with the opposed lateral face of the projection 217 of bracket 215 secured to the shift rod 209. Thus the projection 217 serves to retain the projection 202 in the pocket 225 and against lateral displacement therefrom during the operative position of the rod 208. When the rod 208 is again shifted to the usual neutral position bringing the pocket 225 into alignment with the pocket 220, it will at once be seen that the plunger 240 will be effective to promptly displace the lower end 202 of the shift lever 201 laterally into the pocket 220.

It might here be mentioned that it is important to note that in the cases of both modifications disclosed in'Figures 4 to 7 the inner ends of the plungers 151 and 240 in their maximum projected positions serve as lateral stops for the respective lower ends of the shift levers 140 and 201 so that an operator may readily position the lower ends of the shift levers in the pockets 141 or 220 of the first and reverse speed shift rods 9 and 209 respectively. The functions of the plungers 151 and 240 therefore are not limited to those of expelling the lower ends of the shift. levers when the pockets of the shifter rods are aligned in neutral position and preventing the displacement of the levers tesa-vw into the pockets provided in the brackets of the emergency low or other special gear shift rods but also serve as indicators for informing an operator of such a transmission of the correct position of the shift levers for the yen',- gagement of the first and reverse shifter rods. Coming now to Figures 8 and V 9, I have illustrated a further modified application of` my invention. j .i

Referring more particularly to Figure 8, I have shown a .vertical section through the upper portion of a transmission casing 300 provided with the usual upwardly eXtend" ing hollowportion 301 in which a shift lever 302 is suitably mounted for limited universal movement in any desired manner.` A plurality of shifter rods 308, 309 and 310 are suitably positioned for axial movementin parallel relation in the same manner as in the modification disclosed in Figures 6 and 7, such rods being provided with suitable brackets311, 312 and 313 respectively of the same character as brackets 211, 215 and 212 of the modification disclosed in Figures 6 and 7, these brackets being provided with suitable pockets 314, 315 and 316 respectively. Pockets 314 and 316 instead of having limiting outer Walls as inthe case of the correspondingy pockets shown in Figures 6 and7 in the instant case extend transversely through the upper ends of the respective brackets. The lower-end of shift lever 303'is provided with a reduced portion 303 formed by suitably slabbing off opposed lateral portions of the lower end of the lever 302,V

Y such reduced portion 303 being defined by `specifically described.

I end of a. screw plu into the outer end o' bore 320, the yplug 324 lateral faces 306 and 307. The lateral face 307 is provided centrally thereof with a vertically extending groove or Vnotch 305 the purpose of which will be hereinafter more The lateral side walls of the casing 300 -are provided with thickened or boss portions 317 and 318 which are provided with aligned f bores 319 and 320 respectively suitably formed therein by drilling or coring. Bore 320 is adapted to slidably accommodate therein a plunger 321 which is provided with j an internal bore 322 serving as a seat for one end of a coil spring 323, the other end of the coil spring being adapted to abut the inner 324 suitably threaded being retained against accidental displacement by a suitable lock Washer 325 positioned between the head of the plug and the corresponding outer wall of the casing 300. The inner end of the plunger 321 is conical in coni. figuration and in the normal neutral position of the transmission such conical 'end 326 is i adapted to take into the groove orfnotch 305 in the face 307 of the lower end 303`of shift lever 302. v p

Bore 319 likewise accommodates the slidable plunger 327 provided with an axial bore 328 which is adapted to seat a coil spring 329, the outer end lof which abuts the inner end of a screw plug 330 suitably threaded intofthe outer end of bore 319 and retained against accidental displacementA by a suitable lock washer 331 interposed between the head of the plug 330 and the adjacent outer face of the casing 300. The inner or effective end of the plunger ,327 isalso yprovided with a tip of conical configuration and this conical end 332 is adapted in the normal neutral position of the transmission to abut against the face 306 of the projection 303 of the lever 302. A double acting catch or holder comprisin va ball 33.3 `yieldingly urged radially inwardly ofthe bore 319 by means of a coil spring 334 is positioned in a radially extending bore 335 provided in the enlarged portion 317, the

spring 334 being retained by having krabutting engagement with the end of a screw plug 336 suitably threaded into the upperl end of .the bore 335 and retained against accidental displacement by means of a suitable .lock

washer .337. Ball 333 is urged into engageure 9.it rwill be noted that bracket 311 is pro- I i vided along its outer face with a suitable notch 339. .Bracket 313 is suitably provided with a pair of notches 340 and 341, and `bracket 312 is providedwith pairs of opposed notches 342 and 343. All of these notches are fin the same plane and are adapted to be corresCpondingly engaged by the conical ends 332k an 326 of the plungers 327 and 321 respectlvely.

The springs 329 and 323 are of such strength as to normally retain the projection 303 of the lever 302 in the pocket 315 of bracket 312 in the normal neutral position of the'transmission. It will be noted that iny such position of the transmission, the ball 333 is in engagement with the right hand shoulder (as viewed in Figure 8) of the groove 338 thereby normally restraining movement of the plunger 327 to the left.

In operation, when it is desired to operatively position the transmission for operation in either first or reverse, the bracket 312 and its corresponding shifter rod 309 may be axially moved by means of movement of the lever 302. At this time if the bracket 312 is moved upwardly as viewed in Figure 9 the conical ends of the plungers 327 and 321 will engage in the notches 342 thereby normally retaining the bracket 312` in such adjusted position untilv it is again forcibly moved in the opposite direction. If moved downwardly as viewed in Figure 9, the same condition will occur, this time the ends of the plungers engaging in the notches 343. TvVhen it is desired to operatively position the transmission .in either second or third speeds the portion 303 of the shift lever 302 may be'forcibly moved from pocket 315 into the pocket 316 of the bracket 313 and such bracket and its corresponding shifterrod 310 then axially moved to the desired position. W'hen the bracket 313'is so moved, it will be readily apparent that the conical end of plunger 321 willengage in either of the notches 340 or 341 depending upon the directional movement of the shifter rod 310. l/Jhen it is desired to place the transmission in operative condition of the emergency low or other special speed, a quick movement of the projection 303 'laterally in the direction of plunger 32T to overcome the frictional engagement between the ball 333 and the adjacent shoulder formedby the 1peripheral groove 338, will position the projection 303 in the pocket 314 of the bracket 311. Upon movement of such bracket and its corresponding shifter rod 308 in the proper direction, for example, upwardly as viewed in Figure 9, the conical end of plunger 327 will engage in the notch 339.

' It will thus be seen that in the case of the instant modification the` two plungers 327 and 321 will act as suitable interlocks for the transmission shifter rods 308, 309 thus preventing accidental axial displacement of such rods and consequently of the corresponding .shifter forks due to vibration ornrocking movement of the vehicle to which the transmission is applied.

It is to be noted that in the neutral position of the transmission as it is shown in Figures 3 and 9, the plungers 327 and 321 pass through the pockets 311i and 316 respectively thereby 'effectively 'positively locking the shifter forks 308 and 310 respectively from axial displacement until such displacement is desired by the operator of the vehicle in which case the projection 303 must first be positively and firmly moved to the proper pocket for such displacement. Any lateral displacement of the projection 303 into for example pocket 314 permits the plunger, 321 to move through the pocket 316 and into the pocket 315, so that when the transmission is in the condition for effectively accomplishing engagement of the emergency low or other special gear both shifter rods 309 and 310 are positively locked against accidental displacement. Due to the substantial'width of the peripheral groove 338 thereby permitting of further inward movement of the plunger 327. it will at once be apparent that when the lprojection 303 is moved Vfrom pocket 315 'to pocket 316, plunger 327 will automatically follow the movement ofsuch projection 303 passing through the pocket 31a and into thal pocket 315 while the bracket V313-; is beingv moved Aor retained vin such adjustedposition'as isdesired. Thus when theshiftergrod 310 is being actuated the plunger'327 effectively 'positively locks the shifter rods 308 and`309 lfrom accidental displacement. rfhus it will be seen that in the instant modified embodiment of the invention the plungers employed perform two `ad ditional functions in that tl ey serve to positively lock such shifter rods Vas are not employed against accidental displacement and inaduiticn servea's suitable interlocks for the transmission shifter rods to-yieldingly re- 'iain suoli shifter rod as is displaced against accidental reverse displacement due to vibration of a vehicle to which4 the transmission isappliedor to the pulsations of the usual motor employed to furnish the motive power.

As in vthe case of the previous modifications disclosed, it will be readily apparent that when the lower end or projection 303 of the shift lever 302 is brought to a position causing the alignment of pockets 31st, 315 and 316,1;the two plungers 32T and 321 will automatically position the'shift lever 302 in Aneutral position. Inasmuch as the plunger v327is yieldingly*retained against outward movement by means of the ball 333 cooperating with groove 333,4 .it will be clear that a more substantial pressure must be applied byV an operator upon the .upperrend of shift lever 302 'toY move. the projection 303 of the lever into'the 'pocket 314 of bracket 311 secured to' shifter rodl 308 for accomplishing theY emergency'low orv other special speed"- conne'ction. j A

Thus the various preferred forms disclosed herein embodying the salient features of the present invention readily lend themselves to simple and easy operation with no unnecessary variation from the usual well known tran'smis'siontypes now in general use as regards the' normal operating speeds. As has hereinbefore been stated,'the` shifter rods maybe so arranged aste provide a special high speed in place of an emergency low speedembodying the salient features of the 'present invention.

`While I have shown several preferred embodiments of my invent-impl do not wish.A

to be limited thereto. its will be understood by those skilled; inthe art, changes may be madetherein without departing from the essence` of the invention or t-he spirit 'and scope of the appended claims.

lvhat'l claim and desire to securegby Let- Vters Patent is 1. In combination, a-pair of shifter rods, one of saidY rods having a pocket for receiving the end of a shift lever, the other of said Lissogffe' means for holdingl said yielding means against yielding. f i l 2. In combination, a pair of shifter rods, one of said rods having a-'poclret forreceiving the end of'a shift lever, the other of said rods having means forreceivingthe'end of theV shift lever, and means for yieldingly holding the end of the shift lever out` of said shift lever receiving means,` andmeans for releasably holding said' yielding means, whereby-said yielding means is normally restrained from yielding butis adapted to lbe displaced by a sharp movement of the lower end of said shiftlever thereagainst.

3Q In combination with a gear shift `lever Vmounted for limited universal motion ina casing, a pair of shifter rods, one of said rods having a pocket for receiving the lend of the gear shift lever, the other of said rods having means for receiving the end of said gear shift lever, means associated With said casing for yieldingly restraining movement of the end of said gear shift lever into said receiving means on saidsecond named rod, and means for releasably holding .said

restraining means against" yieldinv'.

4. In combination With a gear shift lever mounted for limited universal motion'in a casing, a pair of shifter rods, one of said rods having a pocket foi' receiving the end ofthe gear shift lever, the other of said rods having means for receiving the end of'said gear shift lever, means associated with said casing for restraining movement of the end of said gear shift lever into said receiving means on said second namedrod, and means for releasably holding said restraining means against yielding said holding means being adapted to be forcibly ydisplaced by said shift lever. f

5. In combination, a pair of shifter rods each havingl pockets for receiving thev lower end of a shift lever, yieldablemeans adapted to resist movement of the end of said shift leverinto one of said pockets when said pookets are aligned, and means for releasably holding said means in resistingposition, said means being adapted to be displacedv Vby forcible movement 'ofthe end of said shifter lever into said pocket, said shift lever being retained in said pocket upon ldisalignment of said pockets, said means being also effective to eject the end of said shift lever when said pockets are again aligned.

6. n combination With a gear shift'lever mounted for limited universal movement, a pair of shifter rods each having a pocket for selective reception of one end of said shift lever, means comprising a double acting plunger adapted to yieldingly restrain movement of said end of said 'shift lever into one of said pockets, and means adapted yto engage said plunger to yieldingly retain said plunger in a predetermined projected position, said last named means being adapted to be rendered ineffective to retain said plunger upon forcible retraction of said plunger.

7. In combination With a gear shift lever mounted fory limited universal movement, a pair of shifter rods each lhaving' a pocket for selective reception of one end lof saidy shift lever, meansv comprising a' double acting plunger-adapted to yieldingly restrain movement of said end of said shift lever into one of said pockets, a depression iii said plunger, and a" spring pressed detent adapted to seat in said depression to yieldingly retain said plunger in a predetermined projectedposition, said spring pressed detent being adapted to be unseated lfrom said depression upon forcible retraction` of said plunger.

8. In combination With a gear shift lever Vmounted for limited universal motion, a pair of shifter rods, one of said rods having a pocket for receiving the end of the shift lever, a bracket on the other shifter rod also containing a pocket for receiving the 'end of the shift lever, a spring pressed plunger mounted in the bracket for holding the end of the shift lever out of'said latter pocket',

and a yielding detent for holding the spring i plunger.

9. In combination, a pair of shifter-rods, one of said rods having means providing a pocket for receiving the end of a' 'shift lever, the other rod having a bracket containing a pocket forv receiving the end of the shift lever Vand a spring plunger mounted in said bracket and extending in the direction of the pocket for holding'thc end ofthe shift lever out of said pocket, and a spring detent for holding the plunger against yielding.

l0. In combination, shifter rod, a bracket secured thereto, said bracket having a recess extending laterally thereinto and having a transverse bore, a spring plunger mounted iiis'aid bore, said plunger having a'stop for limiting its outward motion, a spring for the plunger, a recess in the side Wall of the spring plunger, a` spring pressed 'detent' adapted to seat in-said recess, and means for guiding' the plunger so that the recess will remain in line with the detent. c

Il. In combination, a sliift"lev'ei', 4shifter 7 iod, a bracket secured thereto, said bracket line With the detent, said detent beingl adapted to be unseated fromsaid recess upon forcible retraction ofsaid plunger by a sharp movement of the lower end ofk said Vshift lever; l

12. In combination, a casinga shift. lever mounted for limited universal movement in said casing, a. pair of shifter rodseach having a pocket for selectivereceptionof one ond of said shift lever, means associated with said casing adapted to yieldably resist movement of the end of said shift lever into one of said pockets When said pockets are aligned, and means releasably holding said means in resisting position, said holding means being adapted to be displaced by forcible movement of the end of saidshift lever int-o said last named pocket.

13. In combination, a casing, a shift lever mounted for limited universal movement in said casing, a pair of shifter' rods each having a pocket for selectivereception of one end of said shift lever, a transverse bore in said casing, a second casing supported in said bore, a spring pressed plunger in vsaid second casing and extending beyond one end thereof for engaging said shift lever, and a spring pressed detent adapted to engage said plunger to retain said plunger' in a predetermined projected position torestrain movement of said shift lever into one of said pockets, said spring pressed detent being adapted to be disengaged from said plunger upon forcible retraction of the plunger by a quick movement of the end of the lever into said pocket.

let. In combination, a casing, a shift lever mounted for limited universal movement in said casing, a pair of shifter rods each having a pocket for selective reception of one end of said shift lever, a transverse bore in said casing, a second casing supported in said bore, a spring pressed plunger in said second casing and extending beyond one end thereof for engaging said shift lever, a spring pressed detent adapted to engage said plunger to retain said plunger in a pred`f termined projected position to restrain movement of said shift lever into one of said pockets, said spring pressed d-etent being adapted to be disengaged from said plunger upon forcible retraction of the plunger by a quick movement of the end of the lever into said pocket, and a projection extending from said shift lever in line with the plunger and adapted to have continuous enga gement With sai d plunger.

15. In combination With a gear shift lever mounted in a casing for limited universal movement, a plurality of shifter rods each having a pocket for receiving one end of sait shift lever, yieldable means associated with said casing and normally adapted to urge said lever to neutral position into one pocket, said means extending through another pocket to positively lock the corresponding shifter rod against axial movement, and means vfor releasably restraining displacement of said yieldable means.

16. In combination with a gear shift lever mounted in a casing for limited universal movement, a plurality of shifter rods each having ya pocket for receiving one end of said shift lever, a plurality of yieldable means associated with said casing and normally urging said lever to neutral position intorone pocket, said means extending through the other pockets to positively lock their corresponding shifter rods against axial movement, and means releasably cooperating with one of said yieldable means to normally restrain displacementthereof. I .1

17. In combination with a gear shift lever mounted in a casing for limited universal movement, a plurality of shifter rods each having a pocket for selective reception of one end of said shift lever, said end of said lever being adapted to engage in one of said pockets in neutral position of said shifter rods, a pluralityk of spring pressed plungers engaging said shift lever and extending through the. other fof said pockets to positively retain the corresponding shifter rods against axial movement, and a plurality of notches in one of said shifter rods adapted to be selectively engaged by said plungers upon axial displacement of the corresponding shifter rod Whereby said plungers are effective as interlocking means. Y

18. In combination with a gear shiftlever mounted in a 4casing for limited universal movement, a plurality of shifter rods each having a pocket for selective reception of one end of said shift lever, said end of said levier being adapted to engage in one of said pockets in neutral position of said shifter rods, a plurality of spring pressed plungers engaging said shift lever and extending through the other of said pockets to positively retain the corresponding shifter rods against axial movement, and yieldable means associated vvith one of said plungers adapted to retain said one of said plungers in a predetermined projected position, said means being adapted tobe rendered ineffective upon forcible retraction of that plunger.

19.In combination with a gear shift lever mounted for limited universal movement, a plurality of shifter rods including one for controlling an emergency low or other special gear, each having a pocket for selective reception of one end of said lever, plungers yieldingly engaging opposed sides of said lever when said pockets are aligned, one of said plungers extending through the pocket of the shifter, rod controlling the emergency low or other special gear, the other extending through the pocket of one of the others of said shifter rods whereby such rods are positively locked against axial Vmovement, and double acting means cooperating with the first named plunger: for releasably restraining displacement thereof.

20. In combination with a gear shift lever mounted for limited uniif'ersal movement, a plurality of shifter rods including one for controlling an emergency low or other special gear, each havinga pocket for selective reception of one end of said lever, plungers yieldingly engaging opposed sides of said. lever when said pockets are aligned, one ofsaid plungers extending` through the pocket cf the shifter rod controlling the emergency low or other special gear, the other extending through the pocket of one of the others of said shifter rods whereby such rods are positively locked against axial movement, and yieldable means associated with one of said plungers to retain itin a predetermined projected position, said means being adapted to be rendered ineffective upon lforcible retraction of its plunger. Y

2l. In combination, in a transmission, a casing, a gear shift lever mounted in said casing for limited universal movement, three shifter rods associated with said casing, one of said rods being adapted to control an emergency low or other special gear, brackets secured to each of said rods and each provided with a transverse pocket adapted to be brought into alignment in the neutralposition of the transmission, one end of said lever extending into the range of said pockets and being adapted to be selectively engaged therein, a pair of opposed plungers carried by said casing and adapted to engageopposite sides of said shift lever in the neutral position thereof in the pocket of the middle rod bracket, said plungers being adapted to extend through the pockets of the brackets flanking said middle bracket whereby said flanking brackets and their corresponding rods are locked against axial movement during axial movement of said middle rod,one of said plungers being freely displaceable by simple lateralshifting of the lower end of said shift lever, and releasable means cooperating with the other plunger for normally restraining displacement thereof, said last named plunger being displaceable only by forcible lateral movementV of the lower end ofthe shift lever.

22. In combination, in a transmission, a casing, a. gear shift lever mounted in said Casin g for limited universal movement, threev shifter rods associated with `said casing, one

of-saidrods being adapted to control an emergency lov.T or other special gear, brackets secured to each of said rods and ea'ch provided with a transverse pocket adapted to be brought into alignment in the neutral position of the transmission, one end of said lever extending into the range of said pockets and being adapted to be selectively engaged therein, and a pair of opposed plungers carried by said casing and adapted to engage v opposite sides of said shift lever inthe neutral position thereof in the pocketl of thel middle rod bracket, said plungers being middle rod, said middle bracket having a plurality `of opposed notches adapted to L'be `4engaged by said plungers in the shifted positionsofsaid'middle rod. l

In combination, -in a transmission, a

casi'iig, a gear shift lever mounted in said casi ing- ,for' limited universal movement, three shifter rods 'associated with said casing,^one ofv said rods being adapted to 'controlan emergency low or other special gear, brackets secured to eachof said rods 4and eachl vided with va transverse pocket adapted'to be brought into alignment in the neutral position'l of the transmission, one end of said lever extending into Ithe range ofsaid pockets and being adapted to be selectively engaged therein, and a pair of opposedplungers carried by saidcasing and adapted to engage opposite sides of said shift lever in the neutral position, thereof in the pocket of the promiddle rod bracket, said plungers-being .adapted 4to extend through; thezpockets of the brackets flanking said middle bracket .whereby said flanking brackets and their Vcforresponding rods are locked against axial movementl during axial movement Yof 4said middle rod, each of 'said plungers being effe'cti've to positively' lock oneof theilanking rods' and to yieldingly lock the middle rod when the middle rod is displaced Vfrom neutral position; i

"24Min combination, in a transmission, av

casing, a gearshift lever mounted in said casing for limited universal movement, three shifter rods associatedwith said casing, one of said rods being adapted to control an emergency low or other special Crear, brackets secured to each of saidV roes and each provided with a-transverse pocket adapted to be brought into alignment in the neutral position of the transmission, one end of said lever extending into the range of said pockets and being adapted to be selectively engaged therein, and a pair of opposed plungers carried by said casing andV adapted to engage opposite sides of said shift lever in the neu- Y tral position thereof in the po'cket of theV middle rod bracket, said plungers being adapted to extend through the pockets of the brackets flanking said middle bracket whereby said flanking bracketsfand their'corresponding rods are locked against axial movement during axial movement of said middle rod, each of said plungers being effective to lock one of the flanking rods and the middle rod when one of the plungers is forcibly retracted out of the pocket of the other flanking rod, each of said flanking brackets Ihaving a notch therein vadapted to be engaged by the retracted plunger to provide an interlock for its corresponding rod, and said middle bracket having opposed notches adapted to be engaged by said plungers when said middle rod is shifted. v

25. In combination, in a transmission, a casing, a gear shift lever mounted in said casing for limited universal movement, three shifter rods associated with said casing, one of said rods being adapted to control an emergency low or other special gear, brackets secured to each of said rods and each provided with a transverse pocket adapted to be brought into alignment in the neutral position of the transmission, one end of said lever extending into the range of said pockets and being adapted to be selectively engaged therein, a pair ,of opposed plungers carried by said casing and adapted to engage opposite sides of said shift lever in the neutral position thereof in the pocket of the middle rod bracket, said plungers being adapted to extend through the po'ckets of the brackets flanking said middle bracket Whereby said flanking brackets and their corresponding rods are locked against-axial movement during axial movement of said middle rod, and means associated with the plunger elfective to lock the emergency low or other special gear controlling rod to retain such plunger in a predetermined projectedy position in the neutral position of said rods, said means being adapted to be rendered ineective upon forcible retraction of its plunger by said shift lever. ,v v

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed niy name this 23rd day of J une; 1930.

ROBERT -LAPsLEY.,

oo A 

